West Coast v Richmond Preview

Posted on April 15, 2016June 7, 2018 | Posted by Digby Beacham

West Coast v Richmond

Friday, Domain Stadium 6.10pm

Richmond have established an excellent record when travelling interstate in recent times. But the Tigers of the present are a long way removed from the previous editions, chiefly 2013-15, with coach Damien Hardwick forced to blood and persevere with many new faces because of the absence of quality performers. The ongoing availability of Brett Deledio has cruelled Richmond and the fact that the line-breaking Tiger remains in Melbourne for this match is a hammer blow to the visitors’ chances.

West Coast were made to work hard for their four points against Fremantle, with the loss of Aaron Sandilands in the second quarter an undeniable advantage. Nic Naitanui pounced on his opponent’s internal injuries to feed Luke Shuey, Matt Priddis and Andrew Gaff, who in turn gave Jack Darling an opportunity to back up his solid round-two display against Hawthorn. He duly did and helped offset the inaccuracy of Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy.

Alex Rance will almost certainly go to Kennedy, but the options West Coast have around him far outweigh those Richmond possess, even taking into account Jack Riewoldt and Ty Vickery, who is still guilty of being too inconsistent for a player of his experience. The Eagles remarked several times during the week that there were some sore bodies in the wake of the western derby, but they still should have too much run for the Tigers.

VERDICT: West Coast by 31 points

1st Goal Scorer: Luke Shuey